Rumors of a more powerful Mazda MX-5 are becoming reality: the little Japanese roadster will feature 184 CV of power

When we talk about the Mazda MX-5, a grin from ear to ear inevitably spreads across our faces, since it has been making thousands of drivers happy since the late 80s. Nevertheless, the Japanese manufacturer has wanted to keep treating its customers to an even higher degree of happiness, something it has achieved with a considerable increase in power. That’s right, the little Mazda MX-5 has been subjected to far more than a simple tweak and will now be more powerful and fun than ever.

After several Japanese magazines carried out tests of this new and, until now, mysterious MX-5, we can confirm that Mazda is set to move forward with the project. The Japanese firm intends to keep offering the magnificent package of its sports car par excellence, but with some accentuated traits, mainly in the mechanical area.

The Mazda MX-5 has always been characterised by its charismatic character, which it achieves thanks to an attractive design, naturally aspirated engines and low weight. However, after several Japanese media outlets took the wheel of this upcoming version, we have been witnesses to the performance and improvements that the Mazda sports car will bring, where the firm has wanted to remain faithful to what this model stands for while considerably increasing its performance.

We should remember that currently the Mazda MX-5 is offered with two different types of roof and with two engines. On the one hand, we find the most modest powertrain in the range, a naturally aspirated 1.5 capable of producing 131 CV, but should this not be enough for us, we can opt for the top-of-the-range variant. This is a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre with 160 CV of power, a figure that is set to rise next year.

The MX-5 will use the same 2.0-litre engine but with slight modifications, which will allow the Japanese sports car to reach 184 CV of power and 205 Nm of torque, figures that catapult it into direct competition with the Toyota GT86, Subaru BRZ and its close cousin, the Abarth 124 Spider. Another piece of good news is that the 2019 Mazda MX-5 will be able to reach 7,500 rpm before hitting the red zone on the tachometer, so its engine will deliver much more agile and fun behaviour.

For now we will have to wait for the firm to give the go-ahead, but very soon we will be witnesses to the most powerful MX-5 in history. In this way, Mazda will manage to keep alive a motoring icon while adapting it performance-wise to the competition, where it will be able to fight with much more ease and fun.

Technical specifications of this car

RoadsterMazda MX-513 versions · from 32,550 €